A Michelle

By Barmy Kev
May 26 2011

Barmy Kev reports on a damp squid of a day

It’s day 3 a quieter one for me having been out in the sun, enjoying wine and cricket in company of Lower Pav and Beefy for days 1 +2.   Today I was on my own, as my MTWD readers know Thursday's my badminton day so is sober day and weather forecast was unpromising.

Spent journey trying to get Wi-Fi on train, which I did, which meant report could well be up straight after game on train back.  Was contemplating various permutations result wise thinking draw favourite and Essex win vey unlikely. Our best chance of win is if we bat fairly badly 2^nd innings, but with a 100 + lead, 250ish target would be difficult.    I would doubt we would make any competitive declaration.

Arrived at ground 10 mins into play with sun out. Foster and Phillips were still there, shame. The first thing I noticed ball was doing more.  On 1st 2 days the odd one kept low, but today there was movement in all directions.  Suddenly I was revising my result permutations weather permitting. There then was the odd bit of light drizzle and it was unlikely we would get through game without interruptions.  Also it was very cold. Brrr…

It seemed a matter of time before a wicket throughout and our seamers were bowling well and on top of struggling batsman who were finding runs difficult.  Foster did make his 50, but after 40 mins one from Dial M that moved in did him  LBW.  Shortly after Masters was out caught at cover from a loose shot. This gave Dial M a well-deserved Michelle.   

The drizzle was getting progressively stronger. To umpires credit they wanted to stay out as long as possible. But this became heavier and just before 12, players forced off. Rain looked here to stay for a while, so I thought just like the umpires eventually decided, an early lunch. Thanks to Google and Google Maps was able to find my way to nearest Barclays, Cards Shop and stationers In Chelmsford.  Was thinking on my walk this hope we do not lose the bulk of play.  Was convinced with something like 4 hours play today, we could be in result territory.     

The rain would occasionally stop and then there would be another heavy shower. I found a cafe with Wi-fi was content to wait there. I heard the players were back , but was still raining where I was and I stayed.  I heard there was another wicket and was delighted it was Ireland who deserved better from yesterday.  My Internet update said they went off and I correctly assumed there would be no or little more play.    As typing this I am assuming plays over with something like 90 lead.  Can't help feeling  weather may have robbed us